Bluesky users can now share videos up to 10 minutes long, a substantial increase from the previous three-minute limit. Alongside this extended video duration, the platform has raised the maximum upload file size to 300MB and reports upload speeds that are 2–3× faster than before.
The upgrade aligns Bluesky with major competitors. TikTok already allows users to post 10-minute recordings directly within its app. Other platforms using the AT Protocol—the infrastructure Bluesky relies on—such as Bluescreen, Reelo, and Skylight, will also benefit from the same longer video capability.
Competition Heating Up for Video on Social Apps
Video is clearly key to attracting and retaining users. Meta’s Threads supports videos up to five minutes. X (formerly Twitter) restricts free accounts to 140 seconds, but paying users get to post much longer content—up to 3–4 hours with file sizes nearing 16GB—while the platform also introduced a built-in video editor to encourage more original content creation.
Why It Matters for Bluesky
This change comes during a dip in Bluesky’s usage. Recent metrics show its active user base fell by more than 25% year-over-year as of July. Lengthening video limits could help reverse the slide, giving creators more room to share richer content without jumping platforms.
Longer videos tend to increase engagement, building a stronger community feeling. Better file size cap and upload speed makes it easier to produce higher quality videos. And compatibility across AT Protocol-based apps helps Bluesky remain part of a growing ecosystem rather than a lone contender.
With more space to experiment, creators may start producing more ambitious videos—everything from longer how-tos to deeper conversations. Bluesky’s decision is both a response to where social media is headed—a video-centric model—and a strategic play to regain momentum in a landscape crowded with options.
